Weatherproof Remembrance Items for Gravesites and Memorial Sites

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a weatherproof stuffed animal for placement on gravesites and external memorial sites. The stuffed animal can be placed by a person at a gravesite (or memorial site) as a memorial for a person who has passed away. More specifically, the stuffed animal can have any shape and size and includes a weatherproof outer cover and inner filling. The weatherproof properties prohibit the stuffed animal from becoming tattered and deteriorated in harsh weather elements. Further, the stuffed animal includes customized mourning/remembrance messages printed, embroidered, or sewn on the outer cover for mourning. The stuffed animal can have LEDs to illuminate the remembrance messages and can also have a protective slot for securing a name, a message, and/or a photo of the person on whose gravesite the stuffed animal is kept.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/184,862, which was filed on May 6, 2021and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of stuffed animalsand toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novelremembrance weatherproof stuffed animal used as a memorial forgravesites and external memorial sites for mourning the loss of lovedones. The stuffed animal includes customized phrases indicating mourningand includes a weatherproof outer covering enabling the stuffed animalto remain intact, relatively dry, and in good condition for longerperiods of time. The stuffed animal can come in any form and shape.Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto.Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the presentinvention are also equally applicable to other like applications,devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, a gravesite of a loved one is a gathering placefor friends and relatives to show their fondness and love for thedeparted individual. Individuals mourn the loss of the loved one byleaving items at their gravesite or other outdoor site. Individuals alsolike to leave items at the gravesite in the form of remembrances aswell. Items such as flowers, stuffed toys, or other memorable items areoften kept or placed by individuals at the gravesite. However, many ofthe items left at the gravesite become easily damaged with time whenexposed to different weather conditions and environments and may lead towaste issues at the gravesite or other memorial locations (i.e.,accident or crime sites). Therefore, leaving such items at the gravesiteor memorial location may not be encouraged by the cemetery or propertymanagers.

One of such items is stuffed toys that are left at the graves ormemorials of children, or even adults, as a reminder of the person whohas passed. However, standard stuffed toys are susceptible to becomedamaged from the elements and may not withstand harsh weatherconditions. The stuffed toys quickly become dirty and tattered and maynot be in good condition when the individual returns to the grave siteor memorial site. Also, stuffed toys are easily ruined due to prolongedexposure to the environment and may lose their aesthetic appeal. Thiscreates a hassle for the groundskeepers and property managers and cancause the cemetery or memorial site to look unkempt.

Additionally, when the stuffed toys are damaged, the sentimental valuesattached with the stuffed toys are also diminished. Individuals maydesire to prevent the stuffed toys from becoming damaged when exposed tothe elements.

Apart from the above-mentioned issues, the stuffed toys left at thegravesite or memorial site in remembrance of the loved ones, are quitesimple and do not convey any message or feelings of the individuals.Individuals may speak their heart out while leaving the items at thegravesite, however, may be unable to permanently show their feelings forthe departed souls.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed animalthat can be easily left at the gravesite or memorial site for mourningthe loss of a loved one. There is also a long-felt need in the art foran improved stuffed animal that remains safe and protected even afterbeing exposed to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, there is along-felt need in the art for a stuffed animal that does not becomedamaged when left at gravesites or outdoor memorial sites and does notcause any hassles to groundskeepers. Moreover, there is a long-felt needin the art for a stuffed animal that does not become damaged or ruinedwith time and does not diminish sentimental feelings attached with thestuffed toy. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stuffedanimal that ensures its aesthetic look is maintained and it remains thesame even when the individual returns to the gravesite. Furthermore,there is a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed animal thateffectively conveys the feelings of the individuals. Finally, there is along-felt need in the art for a stuffed animal that can be customized tosuit the different user requirements.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a memorial stuffed animal for gravesites and external(i.e., outdoor) memorial sites. The stuffed animal can be made usinginternal and external waterproof materials and prohibits deteriorationwhen left at a gravesite or other memorial outdoor location. The stuffedanimal further comprising a weatherproof outer cover defining anenclosed volume, one or more remembrance/mourning messages, for example,‘rest in peace’ (RIP), ‘I love you’, and more, printed or embroidered onthe outer cover for mourning the death of a person, the enclosed volumestoring a weatherproof insert or filling material, wherein theweatherproof outer cover includes a coating of water repellant materialand further including a florescent material.

In this manner, the novel stuffed animal of the present inventionaccomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides weatherproofstuffed animals for gravesites and memorial sites that are protectedfrom damage or ruined when left at the gravesites or memorial sites. Thestuffed animal of the present invention is also user friendly, as itprohibits the stuffed animal from becoming damaged and thereforeprohibits the sentimental feelings attached with the toy from beingdiminished as well. The stuffed animal of the present invention can beleft at the gravesite to mourn the loss of loved one without causing anyhassles to cemetery managers and groundskeepers as well. Additionally,the stuffed animal is customizable to incorporate differentsayings/quotations in order to effectively communicate the feelings ofthe individuals as per their desires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a memorial stuffed animal for gravesites and externalmemorial sites. The stuffed animal further comprising a weatherproofouter cover defining an enclosed volume, at least one remembrancemessage printed or embroidered on the outer cover for mourning death ofa person, the enclosed volume storing weatherproof insert or fillingmaterial, wherein the weatherproof outer cover includes a coating ofwater repellant material and a florescent material. The stuffed animalfurther includes an image slot for accommodating an image of a person onwhose gravesite the stuffed animal is placed.

In yet another embodiment, the outer cover is made from one of leather,vinyl, plush, elastane, neoprene, and nylon.

In yet another embodiment, the remembrance message is in the form of apatch wherein the patch is sewn to the outer cover.

In yet another embodiment, a stuffed animal is in the form of a flexibleteddy bear.

In yet another embodiment, the remembrance message is one of “RIP”,“NEVER FORGOTTEN”, “ALWAYS IN MY HEART”, “YOU'RE ALWAYS IN MY HEART” andmore.

In yet another embodiment, a weatherproof stuffed animal designed toplace on a gravesite in remembrance of a deceased person is disclosed.The stuffed animal includes a pair of arms holding a heart shapedportion, the heart shaped portion having a digital remembrance messagedisposed thereon, the remembrance message is illuminated using aplurality of LEDs wherein the LEDs are provided power by an integratedbattery, wherein the digital remembrance message is one of “ALWAYS IN MYHEART” and “YOU'RE ALWAYS IN MY HEART”.

In yet another embodiment, the digital remembrance message is in anylanguage.

In yet another embodiment, the weatherproof stuffed animal is in theshape of an animal, doll, sports ball or any other shape.

In yet another embodiment, the weatherproof stuffed animal is tearresistant.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading andunderstanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment ofweatherproof remembrance stuffed animal 100 of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment ofweatherproof remembrance stuffed animal of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the remembrance stuffed animal ofthe present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a plurality ofweatherproof remembrance stuffed animals of the present invention placedon a gravesite in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a stuffedanimal that can be easily left at the gravesite or memorial site formourning the loss of a loved one. There is also a long-felt need in theart for an improved stuffed animal that remains safe and protected evenafter being exposed to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, there isa long-felt need in the art for a stuffed animal that does not becomedamaged when left at gravesites or outdoor memorial sites and does notcause any hassles to groundskeepers. Moreover, there is a long-felt needin the art for a stuffed animal that does not become damaged or ruinedwith time and does not diminish sentimental feelings attached with thestuffed toy. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stuffedanimal that ensures its aesthetic look is maintained and it remains thesame even when the individual returns to the gravesite or memorial site.Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed animalthat effectively conveys the feelings of the individuals. Finally, thereis a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed animal that can becustomized to suit the different user requirements.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel stuffedanimal for use as a memorial at gravesites and external (i.e., outdoor)memorial sites. The stuffed animal further comprising, for example, ateddy bear having a weatherproof outer cover, the teddy bear having apair of foot elements, a pair of arms, a torso, a head, the outer coverdefining an enclosed volume, a remembrance message printed orembroidered at a plurality of places on the outer cover for mourning thedeath of a person, the enclosed volume storing a weatherproof insert orfilling material, wherein the weatherproof outer cover includes acoating of water repellant material and can further include a florescentmaterial.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one potential embodiment of a weatherproof remembrance stuffedanimal 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture. The weatherproof remembrance stuffed animal 100 is aweather resistant stuffed animal in the shape of, for example, a teddybear especially designed to be placed at outdoor memorial sites and atsomeone's gravesite as a memorial. The teddy bear 100 includes an outercovering 102 made of a weatherproof, tear and dirt resistant materialthat prohibits the teddy bear 100 from becoming waterlogged, dirty, andtattered. The stuffed animal 100 does not cause the cemetery to lookunkempt and can be kept for long periods without creating a hassle forgroundskeepers to remove the stuffed animal 100.

The teddy bear 100 includes a pair of foot elements 104, a torso 106, aface 108, and a pair of arms 110. The weatherproof outer covering 102can be of any color and design that were loved by the person on whosegravesite or memorial site the teddy bear 100 is to be placed. Aplurality of customized remembrance phrases 112 like “RIP” can beprinted on the outer covering 102 as a token of remembrance and as amemorial, making the stuffed animal 100 specific or customized to beused on a particular gravesite and/or outdoor memorial site. Thecustomized phrases 112 can also be sewn on the outer covering 102 aspatches and are weatherproof.

The teddy bear 100 can be placed in a sitting position as illustrated inFIG. 1 on any flat surface and thus can be easily placed on a gravesiteor memorial site. The teddy bear 100 can come in various colors andsizes and is flexible and soft (i.e., pliable) in texture.

The outer covering 102 can be made from a waterproof material such asleather, vinyl, plush, elastane, neoprene, nylon, and more and definesan enclosed volume. The materials used for outer covering 102 can alsobe impregnated or coated with water resistant coating materialsincluding a polyurethane coating that can impart a water-resistantproperty. Additionally, a coating of a fluorescent pigment can be addedto the outer covering 102 for increasing the visibility of the stuffedanimal 100 in the dark.

The stuffed animal 100 includes soft (i.e., pliable) and weatherproofmaterial stuffed inside the enclosed volume formed (defined) by theouter covering 102. The weatherproof material (not shown) stuffed insidethe animal 100 is lightweight and thus can be easily carried by a personto a gravesite. The weatherproof inner material can include polyesterfill, grain, beads and more.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment ofweatherproof remembrance stuffed animal of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment,the stuffed animal 200 includes a pair of arms 202 holding a selectivelyattachable stuffed heart plaque 204. The stuffed heart plaque 204includes a remembrance message 206, for example, “NEVER FORGOTTEN”disposed thereon. The remembrance message 206 enables the stuffed animal200 to be a customized item to be left at a gravesite as a memorial.Further, the stuffed animal 200 includes a laminated image slot 210 foraccommodating an image 208 therein of the deceased person (or othermemorial image) on whose gravesite the stuffed animal 200 is to be left.The image slot 210 is positioned on the face 212 of the teddy bear 200.The image slot 210 can alternatively be used for accommodating the nameof the deceased person in whose memory the stuffed animal 200 is inassociation therewith.

The stuffed animal 200 includes a waterproof and tear resistant outercovering 214 that prohibits the stuffed animal 200 from becomingtattered, discolored, and waterlogged. The stuffed animal 200 can bemade from the same weatherproof material as that of the teddy bear 100of FIG. 1 and can have additional weatherproofing and florescencecoatings and coverings.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the remembrance stuffed animal ofthe present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Inthe present embodiment, the memorial stuffed animal 300 includes astuffed heart shaped portion 306 attached to the torso 302 of thestuffed animal 300. The heart shaped portion 306 includes a remembrancemessage 304, for example, “ALWAYS IN MY HEART” or “YOU'RE ALWAYS IN MYHEART” displayed electronically in light emitting diodes (LEDs) enablingthe message to be seen from a long distance. The message 304 can bedisplayed in any color such as red, blue, green, and more. The LEDs aredisposed in the heart shaped portion 306 and can illuminate in a uniformmanner or in a flashing manner. The LEDs are provided electrical powerusing a battery 310 stored on the top of the face 308 of the stuffedanimal 300. A user who places the stuffed animal 300 at a memorial sitecan change the battery 310 and replace with a new battery, as needed,upon visits to the memorial site.

The stuffed animal 300 is protected from weather elements using aremovable protective cover 312. The cover 312 provides water protectionand tear resistance properties to the stuffed animal 300. The cover 312is transparent and also protects the battery 310 from the weatherelements.

It should be noted that the remembrance stuffed animal of the presentinvention can take various forms and can be formed in the shape of adoll, a dog, a cat, a robot, a sports ball or any other animal or shape.The stuffed animal can be available in various colors, sizes, anddesigns.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a plurality ofweatherproof remembrance stuffed animals of the present invention placedon a gravesite in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Asillustrated, the memorial stuffed animals 100,200,300,402 of variousembodiments of the present invention are placed at various surfaces ofthe gravesite 400. The stuffed animals are weather proof and thereforeare not tattered and deteriorated by the weather elements. Furthermore,the stuffed animals do not cause any hassle for groundkeepers as thestuffed animals remain intact for long periods of time. The stuffedanimals are a great remembrance item on gravesites of children andindividuals who may have loved specific toys, animals, or characters.There is no limit to the shape, size, design, and colors of theweatherproof remembrance stuffed animals of the present invention.

The stuffed animals of the present invention are machine washable, canbe cleaned by a wet wipe and come in various forms like weatherproof,tear-resistant, and more. There is no limit to the customized phrasesprinted/embroidered on the stuffed animals and the phrases can be in anylanguage spoken or written around the globe.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “weatherproof remembrance stuffedanimals”, “stuffed animals”, “memorial stuffed animals”, and “stuffedteddy bears” are interchangeable and refer to the weatherproof memorialstuffed animals 100,200,300 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the weatherproof memorial stuffed animals100,200,300 of the present invention can be of any suitable size andconfiguration as is known in the art without affecting the overallconcept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-statedobjectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theweatherproof memorial stuffed animals 100,200,300 as shown in the FIGS.are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapesof the weatherproof memorial stuffed animals 100,200,300 well within thescope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of theweatherproof memorial stuffed animals 100,200,300 are important designparameters for user convenience, the weatherproof memorial stuffedanimals 100,200,300 be of any size that ensures optimal performanceduring use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remembrance item comprising: a stuffed animalcomprising an outer shell for placement at an outdoor memorial site;wherein said outer shell comprises an outer covering comprising aweatherproof and tear resistant material for prohibiting said stuffedanimal from becoming waterlogged, dirty or tattered; wherein saidstuffed animal is flexible and pliable; wherein said stuffed animalcomprises a customized remembrance phrase displayed on said outer shell;wherein said weatherproof and tear resistant material is selected from agroup consisting of a leather, a vinyl, a plush, a elastane, a neopreneand a nylon; and further wherein said weatherproof and tear resistantmaterial is coated with a water resistant material including apolyurethane coating.
 2. The remembrance item of claim 1, wherein saidstuffed animal is a teddy bear.
 3. The remembrance item of claim 1,wherein said customized remembrance phrase is sewn on said outer shell.4. The remembrance item of claim 1, wherein said customized remembrancephrase is a patch sewn on said outer shell.
 5. The remembrance item ofclaim 1, wherein said customized remembrance phrase is an LED display.6. The remembrance item of claim 5, wherein said stuffed animalcomprises a battery for powering said LED display.
 7. The remembranceitem of claim 1, wherein said stuffed animal includes a selectivelyattachable plaque for displaying said customized remembrance phrase. 8.The remembrance item of claim 7, wherein said stuffed animal includes alaminated image slot for accommodating an image therein.
 9. Theremembrance item of claim 1, wherein said polyurethane coating includesa fluorescent pigment for increasing a visibility of said stuffed animalin a low light environment or at nighttime.
 10. The remembrance item ofclaim 1, wherein said stuffed animal comprises an internal pliablematerial stuffed inside an enclosed volume formed by said outer shell,wherein said internal pliable material is selected from a groupconsisting of a polyester, a grain and a bead.
 11. The remembrance itemof claim 6, wherein said stuffed animal comprises a removabletransparent protective cover.
 12. A remembrance item comprising: anouter shell that is weather resistant; an outer covering comprising aweatherproof and tear resistant material for prohibiting saidremembrance item from becoming waterlogged, dirty or tattered; aninternal pliable material stuffed inside an enclosed volume formed bysaid outer shell, wherein said internal pliable material is selectedfrom a group consisting of a polyester, a grain and a bead; a customizedremembrance phrase displayed on said outer shell; wherein saidweatherproof and tear resistant material is selected from a groupconsisting of a leather, a vinyl, a plush, an elastane, a neoprene and anylon; and further wherein said weatherproof and tear resistant materialis coated with a water resistant material having a polyurethane coating.13. The remembrance item of claim 12, wherein said remembrance item isselected from a group consisting of a doll, a dog, a cat, a robot, asports ball and a stuffed animal.
 14. The remembrance item of claim 12,wherein said customized remembrance phrase is sewn on said outer shell.15. The remembrance item of claim 12, wherein said customizedremembrance phrase is a patch sewn on said outer shell.
 16. Theremembrance item of claim 12, wherein said customized remembrance phraseis an LED display.
 17. The remembrance item of claim 16 furthercomprising a battery for powering said LED display.
 18. A remembranceitem comprising: an outer shell for placing at an outdoor memorial site;an outer covering comprising a weatherproof and tear resistant materialfor prohibiting said remembrance item from becoming waterlogged, dirtyor tattered; an internal pliable material stuffed inside an enclosedvolume formed by said outer shell, wherein said internal pliablematerial is selected from a group consisting of a polyester, a grain anda bead; a customized remembrance phrase displayed on said outer shell;wherein said weatherproof and tear resistant material is selected from agroup consisting of a leather, a vinyl, a plush, an elastane, a neopreneand a nylon, and further wherein said weatherproof and tear resistantmaterial is coated with a polyurethane coating; a selectively attachableplaque for displaying said customized remembrance phrase; and alaminated image slot for accommodating an image therein.
 19. Theremembrance item of claim 18, wherein said remembrance item is selectedfrom a group consisting of a doll, a dog, a cat, a robot, a sports balland a stuffed animal.
 20. The remembrance item of claim 18, wherein saidcustomized remembrance phrase is sewn on said outer shell.